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Ask the Parent Coach

Teen Daughter Wants Dad to Stop Posting Photos!

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 06.18.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

It's one thing to be a teen and have your parents share photos of you with family friends by forcing them to look through photo albums of your most recent ballet performance. But it's another thing altogether to have what you consider to be unflattering photos posted online.

My Son Seems So Uncomfortable in His Own Skin

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 06.05.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

I can't count the number of children and teens I've worked with who genuinely believed they were stupid, despite being brilliant at something outside of a school setting.

My Kids Are Struggling Because of Our Divorce

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 06.05.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Adjusting to divorce takes time. Be patient and kind to yourself so you can be there for your kids. If you take things slowly and prioritize your energy so you're focusing on the things that nourish you all, you and your family will get through this rough time.

Helping Children Adjust to a Move

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 05.22.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Most children thrive on the familiar. The experience of beging tossed around by the changes that come with a move can feel overwhelming, even if there are great things about a new house or neighborhood. Here are some thoughts about how to help your children adjust.

My 6-Year-Old Got in Trouble at School and Isn't Sorry!

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 05.15.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

When we require our kids to say the obligatory words, "I'm sorry" without actually meaning them, we teach them that words alone can let them off the hook and they don't have to genuinely feel empathy for whoever they have wronged.

My 13-Year-Old and I Are Both in Hormone Hell!

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 05.08.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Your daughter's moods will even out, your hormones will stabilize and you will get through this rough patch.

How Can I Get My Daughter to Sleep in Her Bed Instead of Mine?

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 04.24.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

There's nothing quite as refreshing as a great night's sleep to help us recover from our day and restore our energy. When children have trouble sleeping, it impacts not only their sleep (and mood), but their weary parents'.

My Kids' Rooms Should be Declared Disaster Zones!

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 06.15.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Children make messes. They move from one activity or outfit to another, rarely considering that by returning whatever they were playing with or wearing to its shelf or drawer, they could easily keep their rooms clean. "Later" becomes their motto.

'My Daughter Lies -- What Should I Do?'

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 06.03.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Children live in the moment. They are largely motivated by either avoiding pain or experiencing pleasure. This is why telling kids that too much sugar will give them cavities has little impact on their decision to swipe that handful of brownies; the enjoyment outweighs later costs.

How Should I Handle My Teen Trying Marijuana?

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 05.26.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

"My 15-year old son just told me that he tried marijuana a few weeks ago with his buddies. I don't know if I should punish him or if doing so will only make him become dishonest. He said he didn't like it, but I'm not sure I believe him."

'I've Had it With My Sassy Tween!'

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 05.12.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Establish guidelines for what is and isn't acceptable, stay connected and above all, don't take your daughter's behavior personally.

My Child Hits Me! What Can I Do?

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 05.04.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

My daughter has started hitting me when she doesn't get what she wants. She is 6 years old and is strong. She has really hurt me a few times now. I don't know what to do. What can I do?

Our Only Child Never Wants to be Alone!

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 04.29.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

In the absence of siblings, it is easy for only children to depend on their parents for companionship.

'How Can I Get My Kids to Listen?'

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 04.21.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

I can't get my children to listen. No matter how many times I repeat something, they tune me out. Is there some secret to getting my kids to do what I ask without nagging?

'I Have Nothing to Wear!'

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 04.14.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Every morning, my 12-year old daughter has a fit when it comes to getting dressed. By the time I drop her off at school, we're either yelling at each other or not speaking. I'm not willing to buy her a new outfit every week. What should I do?

Easing Lunchtime Loneliness

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 04.07.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Someone once coined the term "Imaginary Audience Syndrome" to aptly sum up the experience of a typical middle-schooler as he moves through his day, certain of being constantly evaluated by his peers about everything from the way he laughs to the color of his shoelaces.

Can I Rely Less on Electronic Babysitters?

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 04.01.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Left to their own devices -- and not those electronic ones -- your children will find ways to occupy themselves while you catch your breath at the end of a long day.

Using Lance Armstrong's Story to Teach Your Kids the Vocabulary of Remorse

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 03.24.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

All the medals in the world can't offer relief to a heart burdened by deceit. Use Lance Armstrong's story to initiate age-appropriate discussions with your children about what winning really means: trying your best, staying true to your values and honoring those who believe in you.

Kids Are Messy, Impatient and Loud

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 03.18.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Children are not miniature adults. The more we align our expectations with who they are, the less we will add our frustration to the mix.

What to Do if Your Child Is a Loner

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 03.09.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Mostly sweet and sensitive, socially awkward kids quietly inhabit the fringes of our world. If they're lucky, they have one similarly-afflicted friend; someone to take the edge off the loneliness.

Starting the New Year Right With a Family Mission Statement

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 03.02.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

What better way to start anew than creating a Family Mission Statement that defines what your family stands for and describes your collective intentions for the coming year?

Sibling Rivalry: How Can I Make the Fighting Stop?

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 02.27.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

It's natural that the mother lion in you roars when someone hurts one of your children, even if the offender is another one of your kids. But unless you address the underlying cause of your son's torments, things aren't likely to improve.

14 Tips for Managing Anxiety After the Shootings

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 02.16.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

Heartbroken parents across the country are reeling in the aftermath of the tragedy at Sandy Hook, making it seem impossible to establish a sense of calm in this storm. Still, children need parents who feel solid and sure. Here are some tips for managing your anxiety.

Talking to Children About the School Shooting

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 02.13.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

We are all reeling today in the aftermath of the school shootings in Connecticut. It is impossible to imagine the impact on the families who lost children, those whose children were spared but so profoundly traumatized and the rest of us who bear witness from afar to the unthinkable.

The Importance of Aunties and Uncles

Susan Stiffelman | Posted 02.10.2013 | Parents
Susan Stiffelman

As my nieces and nephews become teenagers, they seem busy with their own lives. I don't know what to do to get closer, other than friending them on Facebook. Do you think having relationships with their aunts and uncles matters to kids?